Tension Matched D'Addarios = BLISS!

[joelb79]

I've never felt a set of strings better than what I just stumbled upon.

I built my own d'addario XL set mix/matching guages to get an even tension from string to string, meaning each string when strung to tune is the same tension in lbs.

Using a PDF found HERE I was able to find that I could get a light tension set (around 35lbs of tension each string) by ordering a .040, .055, .075, and .105. So I ordered the strings from juststrings.com.

I just finished stringing them up about 2 hours ago. I have not been able to put my bass down since. My right hand (plucking hand) finds it easier to dig in on each string and get the same balanced sound no matter where i fret at with the left. My left hand has an easier time pressing down on the strings because that muscle memory does not change from string to string now, same with the right. Its easier to stop/start the strings, add in mutes here and there. Ghost notes jump out.

Oh and that thing I used to complain about where D'addarios were too bright, that's a thing of the past. Now that they have "the feel" its impossible to say they sound bad, only I plucked wrong.

BASS PLAYER HEAVEN!

[joelb79]

.040 - 33.7lbs G
.065 - 51.3lbs D
.075 - 38.0lbs A
.105 - 40.3lbs E/32.0lbs D

ok ok so I miss ordered the D. But if I had ordered the .055 for the D it would be 35.3 lbs at D. That is balanced as it ever gets. You can mix match yourself using the PDF, but let me tell you there is something to getting each string to feel just right when you tug on it.

[knuckle_head]

Balanced tension is the shizznit, ain't it?

[testing1two]

If memory serves, this has been Thomastik's way of packaging strings and probably one of the reasons they are so highly regarded.

[jasper383]

In regular sets, that D string really sticks out like a sore thumb. B also, in 5 string sets.

I tried this, and noticed a difference, but not enough of one to justify the added expense-hassle.

[ubado]

Pretty cool PDF ... thanks for the info.

[Jim Nazium]

I've been using a similar set lately: 40-55-75-100-130. Works great.

[dystopiate]

I did this for years and am probably going to back to it. I found it cheapest to order direct from daddario.com

[Joe Smithberger]

Or....you could just buy a set from Circle K Strings...

[animal52]

great post. I've been thinking of trying that for quite awhile. As awesome as a fanned fret bass would be, this seems an easier and more conventional way of getting even tension.

[FunkMetalBass]

Originally Posted by Joe Smithberger

Or....you could just buy a set from Circle K Strings...

It's true - Skip puts a lot of time and effort into balancing his strings. I'm thinking about ordering a 6-string set from him soon to try out with my Spector 6 and all of its new electronics upgrades. Otherwise I'm going back to my Fodera heavies.

[knuckle_head]

FWIW - I bet .105 .080 .060 .045 would balance well

[Johnny Alien]

Originally Posted by testing1two

If memory serves, this has been Thomastik's way of packaging strings and probably one of the reasons they are so highly regarded.

Absolutely true.

And like others have said even with TI the D string is usually a higher tension for some reason.

[YCBass]

That's great! I've been playing with the idea of getting lighter gauge D and G strings to achieve that result... Glad to know it can indeed be done.

[lug]

Originally Posted by Joe Smithberger

Or....you could just buy a set from Circle K Strings...

This. Put a set on my G&L L2000 and couldn't be happier. Well, that's not entirely true. He could have shipped them with a hooker and some fine whiskey, but barring that.....couldn't be happier.

[Gyoon]

Check out Fodera Victor Wootens: 40-55-75-95-120 Great nickel string.

[groovenut57]

Originally Posted by knuckle_head

FWIW - I bet .105 .080 .060 .045 would balance well

+1

Using the D'Addario EXL Nickel Rounds as an example, the tensions on 45-60-80-105 would work out to be as follows:

G - 42.8 lbs.
D - 42.9 lbs.
A - 42.0 lbs.
E - 40.3 lbs.

[LowB-ing]

I've been piecing my sets together like that for years. Always hated that high tension D right next to the low tension G on standard sets (not to mention very low tension B's).

I really like Circle K balanced sets for nickel. They are hybrid nickel/SS but sound more nickel to me. Unfortunately I prefer SS in most (but not all) situations, so I keep buying d'Addario ProSteels singles for now.

Skip, when are you going to come out with Steels?

[Joe Smithberger]

Originally Posted by LowB-ing

Skip, when are you going to come out with Steels?

Or flats?

[DerHoggz]

Originally Posted by Joe Smithberger

Or flats?

This.